"National Geographic" honored Barcelona as the world's best beach city in 2012, and its famed Barceloneta Beach is perfect for people who don't mind crowds, noise and a little chaos. Those who want a more peaceful getaway, however, will be glad to know that white sand beaches are within an hour's train ride to the north and south. The sand often has a golden hue that will not be mistaken for the Caribbean sand, but these beaches are clean, less crowded and far more relaxing.

Torredembarra

Hop a train an hour south to enjoy Torredembarra, a small Costa Dorada town with a lively boardwalk and glistening beaches. Sunbathers' feet sink into the soft white sand, and cool waves gently lap against those who take a dip. The nearby Els Muntanyans is one of the region's few natural beaches with sand dunes and saltwater lagoons, and the city of Tarragona, a little farther south, adds another 10 miles of coveted beach spots.

Sitges

"Conde Nast Traveller" calls Sitges the "perfect escape" from Barcelona. About 40 minutes south of the city, this resort town tempts urban masses with a vibrant nightlife and miles of white sand beaches. Families generally set up camp close to the historic old town, and the beaches farther south include patches of sand designated for men or women only. The different beach areas help everyone feel comfortable, and the soft sand and calm waters add to the appeal.

Tossa de Mar

Golden Age Hollywood stars Ava Gardner and James Mason came to Tossa de Mar to film the 1951 movie "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman." Before that, Russian painter Marc Chagall captured the Costa Brava town on canvas with pieces like "Blue Paradise." An hour north of the city, Tossa de Mar is clearly a storybook medieval town with miles of white sand and blue water. Three main beaches make up the coastline, but roll the towel out on Tossa Beach if you want to make like royalty and catch rays next to a large castle.

El Masnou

A mere half-hour train ride north, the town of El Masnou serves a sandy siesta on the shores of Ocata Beach. Beloved by locals, this extensive beach somehow remains just under the tourist radar, which means it does not get too crowded even in the summer. The beach oozes a relaxed vibe with hammock rentals and plenty of space, but it still boasts surf-friendly waves, volleyball tournaments and a row of friendly beach bars.

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About the Author

David Jenison served as a staff editor for more than 10 years, contributing to magazines such as "Grammy," "Burn Lounge," "Ingenue," "Hypno," "Mean Street" and "Dispatch." He also wrote a weekly column for E! Online.